Sunday, August 30, 2009

Awesome Artist

While cruising through the Etsy forums, I came across an amazing shop, ImagineStudio. The shop is filled with beautiful digital collages. Each one captivates and seems to tell a story. Even the shop welcome is poetic. "Welcome to ImagineStudio. The lyrical beauty of each piece is well worth your time to see. I hope that they can provide a renewed sense of quietude to your heart, mind and soul. So...let your spirit take flight in the beauty and awe of your own imagination." I love it and I'm sure a lot of you will too. So without further ado, I've posted some of her beautiful works for you to see. These are my favorites, but you should really visit her shop to see them all.










Thursday, August 27, 2009

Spirituality, the Universe

So I just subscribed to get my daily note from the universe from www.tut.com. Thanks Hint!
I love the idea of getting a note from the universe. But why? I've read and love The Secret and I think the law of attraction is an interesting concept. But is it real? I am always thinking about and questioning these different concepts, along with the existance of god. I know that when I feel the need to pray, I do it. But when I really think about it, I have no idea whom I'm praying to. One of my theories is that yes, I'm praying to god. Another is that god is really only a manifestation of ourselves, our conscience if you will. So really, I'd be praying to myself? Another possibility is that the law of attraction really does work and that by praying I am putting my thoughts and wants out there and the universe is using the law of attraction and taking my prayers and sending me corresponding circumstances and events. And yet another theory is that it's all mental. That just by praying, I'm making my intentions clear in my head, for myself and since I've become clear about what I want, it's easier to move towards and manifest it in my life. Whatever the case, praying seems to work for me. Although, since I'm not sure I'm praying to 'God' I'm not sure I can even label it as 'Praying'. Perhaps just meditation, or maybe even contemplation? I have trouble coming to a firm stance on what I believe to be true. The truth is, I don't know. Nobody does FOR SURE. There just isn't solid ABSOLUTE proof in either direction. I've read up on creationism and evolution debates and it all comes down to one thing. Where did it all start? No one can be sure. So, I'll continue to pray, meditate or contemplate whenever I feel the need. And I feel fine knowing that I don't know how it's working. The important part is that it is.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Re-Taking Pics

So I've been pretty happy with my latest pictures that I've taken for my most recent posts. It got me looking at my earliest listings. Some of those pics are awful! So, while taking pics of my new pieces to be listed, I also re-took some older ones, and boy did they need it! Here's some before and after shots.


Before:
After:
Before:
After:
All I can say is no wonder people didn't buy them! The pics were atrocious! I think the new ones are much better. Although, I do wonder if the words on the pages make the pics too busy. What do you think? At any rate, they are better than the before shots! I've also posted some new listings.
Pretty in Pink Blooms Necklace
Lonely Sparrow with Blue Pearl Necklace
I'm having trouble with the last pic of the sparrow. I think it looks too dark, so I try to edit it and make it brighter by adjusting the exposure but that makes the metal look too reflective. So, I'm a little stumped on that one... Anyhoo, here's to learning!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thoughts on Humanity

So after watching 'The Future of Food' and seeing money-hungry companies that have no regard for the well-being of others, it got me wondering what has happened here. The answer I came up with was this. We have lost touch with ourselves. The concepts of love, respect, humility and trust are gone. Hardly anyone, especially large corporations still have their hearts on the greater good. Intention sums it up well. We should all operate with the best of intentions. The Future of Food bothered me so much because this company, monsanto, pushes out these genetically engineered seeds and gets them patented and into the market and the only care is that their pockets get filled. They even stated that it's not their responsibility to make sure their food is safe. WHAT!? It's companies and people with that kind of mindset that put a horrible taste in my mouth. They have lost touch with what it's like to be human. They engineer these new foods, and say that it will help feed the hungry, but they don't do it for that reason, it's because they see the hungry as dollar signs! I don't see how people can operate like this. Everyone has a story. We need to take care of each other, help each other out, RESPECT one another. Just like our mothers told us when we were little, "Don't do to someone else what you wouldn't want done to you". We need to remember that. Striving for more power, more money, more whatever is one thing, but it becomes a problem when you lose sight of how it affects people, or when you don't even care if it does. Love. It's an all encompassing word. To love someone is to trust, respect, honor. You wouldn't do wrong to someone you loved. It should be that way for all of humanity.

The Future of Food





So for those of you that haven't watched this, you NEED to. It has definitely opened my eyes to the workings of our government in relation to agriculture. I know it's kind of long, but it's well worth watching. You will be happy you did. I am. I was all about going to farmers markets for produce, but after watching this, that feeling has increased 100 fold. Please watch this, email it to your friends and family, or do your own blog post on it. Just get the word out.

Here's a link to the website I got it from too.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/67878/the-future-of-food

Friday, August 14, 2009

Desert Critters



So this is the kind of thing you find in your yard while living in the sonoran desert. This is actually one of the less threatening creatures you can come across. This little guy is 12 inches max. My brother is holding him, please excuse his filthy hands. That kid is like the crocodile hunter. It doesn't matter how dangerous or poisonous, my brother will find a way to safely pick it up. And he'll probably be able to tell you what it eats, whether it's nocturnal, he may even be able to tame it. Anyways, he couldn't figure out what kind of snake this is. He asked around and no one had ever seen that kind of snake. Maybe someone's pet that got out? If anyone knows what kind of snake this is please let me know. As for now, he's my brother's newest slithering friend. :-P

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

New Pieces and Meteor Shower


So I just listed these puppies in my shop today and I am really happy with them. I'm working with the gunmetal again and I am enjoying every piece I make with it. These remind me of having a romantic dinner outside with the sun going down and the first stars are becoming visible. Speaking of stars, tonight is the Perseid Meteor shower! Well, the peak for it anyways. Here's some info.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Saguaro cacti

So I was in a parking lot yesterday and they had some HUGE saguaro cacti with lots of arms. The 'g' is silent btw, so it is pronounced "suh-war-oh". There were two in particualr that I liked because they were growing close to each other. Here they are.
Here's some fun facts about these cacti. They don't grow their first arm until they are about 50 to 70 years old, however, in areas with little rain it can take up to 100 years. They are considered to be adult plants at 125 years of age, and at this point may weigh 6 tons and be 50 feet tall. The average life span is 150 to 175 years although some live to be around 200. They only grow in the sonoran desert and even then, only in elevation between sea level and 4,000 feet. It is actually illegal to uproot a saguaro cactus and when removal is needed due to house building or something similar, a permit must be obtained. I feel very fortunate to live in a place where these wise cacti grow. Very few people have the opportunity to greet these ancient beings.










Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Awesome song and video

I love this song. "Wrong" by Depeche Mode. It has been out for a little while, but I am mentioning it now because I love it! The song is awesome and the video is... crazy. At first you think the video is going in reverse, but then you realize it's not, but there are some things where if it's going backwards it doesn't make sense, so you can't be 100% sure. You'll see, just watch it!
.....So I went to embed the video but embedding has been disabled! Lame! Well, anyways, here's the link. Depeche Mode "Wrong"

Monday, August 3, 2009

Took Some Pics!


So I recently made these necklaces with my new supplies. I've actually had the little owl guy for a while and finally made something with him and when I finished I realized that it had a Halloween feel to it. Which is fine, I love it still. As for the leaf necklace, it's my first time working with the gunmetal finish and I absolutely love it! I think it turned out great! I'm pretty happy with the pics too. I think these are some of my best so far. I'm improving! Now I just need to take some pics with me wearing the jewelry to give some perspective and then I'll edit and post them to my shop. They should be up within the next few days.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

New Supplies!

So, I've decided to stop neglecting my Etsy shop and really get into it. I've been sitting on the way-side hoping to get a sale and somehow I got two! It's taken me about three months to get those two, which isn't too bad considering I haven't been very active in listing new pieces and renewing. BUT, after my recent sale it occured to me that I would really like to get more involved with my shop. So, I started renewing, and the past few days I bought some new supplies. Some new beads and chains. I am super excited to start making some new pieces. Also, I've realized that I really need to work on my pictures. So, the next few days will be filled with time spent creating new pieces, photographing and listing them. And probably spending time updating some other listings pics. Woo hoo!